MODERATE HIKES
Swinging Bridge Loop 4.8 miles (7.6 km) loop; 2 hours
Begin at the Wawona Store parking area. Follow Forest Drive, the paved road, two miles upstream from the store to the Seventh Day Adventist camp. At the camp, bear to the left onto a dirt road and continue a half-mile to Swinging Bridge. Cross the bridge and bear left onto the trail that becomes a dirt road, then paved Chilnualna Falls Road. This road will take you back to the Yosemite History Center. Walk through the history center and its covered bridge to return to the Wawona Store.
Wawona to Mariposa Grove 6 miles (9.6 km) one way to the Grizzly Giant in the Mariposa Grove 3 hours (2,400 ft / 732 m elevation gain) Begin at the Wawona Hotel. The trail begins behind the last uphill building of the Wawona Hotel—Moore Cottage. Look for the trailhead 50 yards uphill marked by the sign, “Mariposa Grove.” If operating, ride the free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove back to the Wawona Store. You can also do this hike in reverse and take the free shuttle to the Mariposa Grove and hike downhill back to Wawona. Another option is to begin this trail from .25 miles up Forest Drive, where the trailhead will be on your right.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Begin at Mariposa Grove parking area. No pets or bicycles allowed beyond parking area.
Grizzly Giant Tree and California Tunnel Tree: 1.6 miles (2.5 km) round trip, 1 hour (400 ft / 122 m elevation gain) Wawona Point: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip; 3 to 4 hours (1,200 ft. / 366 m elevation gain) Outer Loop Trail: 6.9 miles (11.04 km); 4 to 5 hours (1,200 ft / 366 m elevation gain) Various trails exist throughout the Mariposa Grove. To reach the Grizzly Giant, follow the trail that begins at the far end of the parking area. From there climb uphill through the lower portion of the grove to reach the Grizzly Giant Tree and the California Tunnel Tree, which is just 50 yards (50 meters) beyond the Grizzly Giant. To continue to the museum (open summer only) continue through the Tunnel Tree further into the grove. Once in the upper grove, you may choose an alternate trail down, or continue on to Wawona Point before heading back to the parking area. Since parking at the trailhead is limited, consider taking the free shuttle bus from Wawona (in summer only). Carry lots of drinking water in the summer, when temperatures can be extreme.